What is a key benefit of machine guns sited to produce enfilade fire?

The benefit of machine guns sited to produce enfilade fire primarily lies in their ability to cover wide areas. Enfilade fire occurs when machine guns are positioned along the length of a target, allowing them to fire down a line where the enemy is advancing. This positioning maximizes the effectiveness of the fire by concentrating destructive power along the axis of enemy movement.

When machine guns are able to deliver enfilade fire, they can create overlapping fields of fire that are particularly effective in stopping enemy forces. This technique not only increases the chances of hitting targets but also enhances the overall fire coverage in a specific area, making it significantly harder for the enemy to maneuver or advance without sustaining heavy casualties.

The other options, while they may have their own merits in different contexts, do not encapsulate the main advantage provided by enfilade fire. For example, increased ammunition efficiency pertains more to logistical considerations rather than the tactical advantages of positioning. Similarly, while machine guns can produce high firepower or offer some level of operator protection, these factors do not inherently relate to the specific benefits derived from enfilade positioning. The capability to cover wide areas through enfilade fire is crucial for maximizing the tactical advantage against enemy forces.